NPC Comichttp://www.npccomic.com
NPC Comic: where the real world meets the game world. A comic about video games, MMOs, and tabletop games. By Mary Varn.Fri, 30 Sep 2016 18:04:59 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.13http://www.npccomic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/LOGO_new_2000-55145c72v1_site_icon-32x32.pngNPC Comichttp://www.npccomic.com
3232NpcComichttps://feedburner.google.comSee You Onlinehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/d0X1jB6CY7A/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/26/see-you-online/#commentsMon, 26 Sep 2016 08:30:31 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8652
I hate writing this. But I just have to come out and do it. I’m retiring from making NPC Comic. Today is the last one. Everything is fine with me. It’s just time. I’ve been making these for over 7[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

I hate writing this. But I just have to come out and do it.

I’m retiring from making NPC Comic. Today is the last one.

Everything is fine with me. It’s just time. I’ve been making these for over 7 years now, and it’s been a wonderful fulfilling experience. I’ve reached a point where I want to push myself creatively in other ways. I make my living as an animator, and I need to dedicate more time and creative energy into improving my skills in that area.

I also want to spend more of my free time away from working at a computer. I live in a wonderful city that I rarely take the time to enjoy. A couple weekends ago I played some WoW, went to a book club meeting, and walked around Central Park. This weekend I spent a day at the MOMA and then saw Weird Al in concert. These were wonderful days for me. And unfortunately days like that are way too few when I’m making a webcomic outside of my full time job.

I have to admit that I’m sad about this. This has been a huge part of my life for the past 7 years. I’m still really interested in the possibilities of SIQO, the fictional MMO that’s been the subject of many recent comics. But I’m also sad that I don’t have the time to make those comics as good as I want. That would only be possible if I had been able to make NPC Comic a full time job.

I’m not saying goodbye to these characters. They will likely be the subjects of animated gifs and inktober sketches. If you don’t want to say goodbye to them, follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr. I’ll keep making things. Hopefully better things. At a slower, more deliberate pace. I can already tease that I’m involved in something involving animation and retro video games, out later this year. It’s a small thing, but it should be cute and I think anyone who has followed this comic will enjoy it.

Thank you for reading all these years. I would have retired NPC Comic a lot sooner if I didn’t have this wonderful little audience. The biggest thanks go to my patrons. That support has made a huge difference to me. Not only did it supplement my income, it helped me mentally justify spending so much time on making the comics.

Here’s what’s going to happen with my Patreon page: Before October 1, I’ll be reverting it to a patron only page, so you won’t be charged another month. Patrons, I may communicate with you via email to ensure you get any rewards that you may not have gotten around to downloading. Please let me know if you have any questions.

This site will stay up. The archive is here for your perusal. If there’s interest, I may compile the comics into inexpensive ebooks so you can be sure to always have them in case, many years from now, the site breaks and I’m unable to fix it.

Thank you all so much. See you online.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/26/see-you-online/feed/49http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/26/see-you-online/Warcraft Lorehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/vXrF4mZXokw/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/14/warcraft-lore/#commentsWed, 14 Sep 2016 08:30:20 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8645
I’ve only read 2 Warcraft books, both by Christie Golden: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, and Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects. I really enjoyed The Shattering. The chapters hop between the different major characters, so it reads a little like[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

I’ve only read 2 Warcraft books, both by Christie Golden: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, and Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects. I really enjoyed The Shattering. The chapters hop between the different major characters, so it reads a little like Game of Thrones lite. I wasn’t as crazy about the Thrall book, even though I like him as a character. I felt like it incorporated too much loosey-goosey magic that works in game but not so much for a narrative.

What about you? Have you read these or any other Warcraft books? What did you think?

In other news, there’s a new Patreon avatar pack! If you’re not a patron, you can get it by becoming one today for as little as $1/month.

Also! I was on a podcast with cool people like Angela Webber of the Doubleclicks! (Yes, I am owning that name drop.) My boyfriend John has been doing this wonderful role playing podcast called Bored Ghost. When we were visiting Portland a couple weeks ago we teamed up with the Gosh Darn Fiasco folks and recorded a Harry Potter themed Fiasco game. Part 1 of this game is here, and part 2 will be out later today! It was really fun and I hope to be on Bored Ghost again in the future. If you like role playing shows, definitely check out the other episodes.

The links to the Warcraft books are affiliate links. If you use those links to buy a product, I get a small commission at no added cost to you.

Chloe: (still dressed as murloc) Bink, I'm spending all my time reading you the quest text, and no time playing my own characters!
P2: Chloe: I quit. (removes murloc hood) Bink looks horrified.
P3: Bink: But I'm sucked in! You can't stop now! How am I supposed to get my fix of Warcraft lore?
P4: Chloe puts the murloc head on Bink as she gestures to a stack of books and the Warcraft movie. Chloe: You'll figure something out.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/14/warcraft-lore/feed/11http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/14/warcraft-lore/Patreon Avatar Pack 5 Is Out – Only Through September!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/R16eBRm6mLI/
Tue, 13 Sep 2016 21:23:50 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?p=8642↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

Patrons can now download the latest avatar pack for free! Not a patron? Become one for as little as $1/month and get your avatar pack today. It’s only available until the end of September!

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/2016/09/13/september-patreon-avatar-pack/Get Into Characterhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/INgy5w_7P74/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/12/get-into-character/#commentsMon, 12 Sep 2016 08:30:12 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8639
Murloc cosplay has gotta be tough, if you’re doing it right, because you’d have to hunch over all the time! But I guess getting to make those crazy sounds would kind of make up for it. ↓ TranscriptP1: Bink: World[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

Murloc cosplay has gotta be tough, if you’re doing it right, because you’d have to hunch over all the time! But I guess getting to make those crazy sounds would kind of make up for it.

P1: Bink: World of Warcraft is a much richer experience when you perform the quest text for me, Chloe!
P2: Bink: It's so much more interesting than having to read it myself.
P3: Chloe: Well, I…
Bink: Stop! Don't get out of character!
P4: Reveal Chloe is in a murloc costume. Bink: I can pour water on you if that would help you get back into it.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/12/get-into-character/feed/4http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/12/get-into-character/Perform the Quest Texthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/iqmqetZ_-2A/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/07/perform-quest-text/#commentsWed, 07 Sep 2016 08:30:52 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8635
I may as well admit that I’ve been doing this a little bit. It’s really fun, if really dorky. ↓ TranscriptPanel 1: Chloe (in performance pose in front of computer): "Could ye help an old dwarf get 'is treasure back?"[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

I may as well admit that I’ve been doing this a little bit. It’s really fun, if really dorky.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/07/perform-quest-text/feed/1http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/07/perform-quest-text/Race to Max Levelhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/41JKyV5nPmg/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/05/race-max-level/#commentsMon, 05 Sep 2016 08:30:52 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8632
I’m still not 110 on my main, and I’m very happy with this speed. And I hear there’s way more to do at max level than there was in Warlords of Draenor. Those of you you who play WoW, how[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

I’m still not 110 on my main, and I’m very happy with this speed. And I hear there’s way more to do at max level than there was in Warlords of Draenor. Those of you you who play WoW, how are you enjoying Legion so far?

P1: Bink: Hah! I got to max level before you!
Chloe: Well at least I read the quests and appreciate the story.
P2: Bink: How's Legion going for you, PooPal?
P3: PooPal: I reached max level in 3 hours. I enjoyed the story immensely.
P4: Chloe: Ugh. Robots.
Bink: Open up, litterbot. The mouse crunchies I had for breakfast aren't going over well.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/05/race-max-level/feed/5http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/09/05/race-max-level/Read the Quest Texthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/SmaoCJzSiMY/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/31/read-quest-text/#commentsWed, 31 Aug 2016 08:30:02 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8628
John and I used to level our rogue and paladin together. We’ve abanoned that for the last couple of expansions for convenience sake. It was fun back when we did it, though. I think we both read the quest text,[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

John and I used to level our rogue and paladin together. We’ve abanoned that for the last couple of expansions for convenience sake. It was fun back when we did it, though. I think we both read the quest text, but I’m a slow reader and get distracted easliy, so I’d often reread it. I can’t blame him for getting impatient. Now I like doing it by myself and not worrying that I’m holding anyone back.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/31/read-quest-text/feed/7http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/31/read-quest-text/WoW Expansion = Christmashttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/NHpvnOZPxjo/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/29/wow-expansion-christmas/#commentsMon, 29 Aug 2016 08:30:58 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8624
I’m not as prepared for Legion as I wanted to be. I never did all the Draenor dungeons and raids and I never levelled leatherworking on my druid. I DID build myself a fancy new computer that it’ll run great[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

I’m not as prepared for Legion as I wanted to be. I never did all the Draenor dungeons and raids and I never levelled leatherworking on my druid. I DID build myself a fancy new computer that it’ll run great on. Ooh, and I have the day off of work! I get in on red eye flight Tuesday morning, and I couldn’t decide if I should take the day since I’ll be a sleepy zombie. Then I discovered it was Legion release day, and I realized that obviously I’ll be much too sleepy to work, but maybe not too sleepy to play Legion.
What about you? Are you ready? Are you stressed out? Excited? Taking the day off of work?

P1:
Bink: A Wow expansion is like Christmas. But we have to wait TWO years instead of one!
P2:
Bink: (Happy) We'll decorate. Take time off of work. Get together with our friends.
P3:
Bink: (Less happy) Spend too much money and overeat.
P4:
Bink: (Very stressed out) Get completely stressed out about how much we still need to do before the big day.
P5:
Bink is laying on the ground, face down. Every two years is fine. Or. It's too much like Christmas.

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/29/wow-expansion-christmas/feed/8http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/29/wow-expansion-christmas/Naming a Characterhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/08XwxA-GzSE/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/24/naming-a-character/#commentsWed, 24 Aug 2016 08:30:26 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8621
My new Demon Hunter’s name is Fennari. My main is Fenwick, and I like to keep “Fen” as a prefix, so when game friends say “Hi Fen!” it works for other characters. “ari” because demon hunters seem to have that[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

My new Demon Hunter’s name is Fennari. My main is Fenwick, and I like to keep “Fen” as a prefix, so when game friends say “Hi Fen!” it works for other characters. “ari” because demon hunters seem to have that going on? The Illidari? Something like that? I should read the quests more.

P1: Naming a new World of Warcraft character can be stressful.
Visual: WoW player: This is the most important decision of my life.
P2: Sure, you can change the name later. But you know you won't.
Visual: Character named Dingleberry says: And give Blizzard 10 more dollars? Never!
P3: It's best if you have a formula.
Visual: Nelf: Hi, I'm Nelfter. Other character: Nightelf Hunter? Nelf: Bingo!
P4: Of course, some people just don't care.
Character: You used the random name generator, didn't you?
Beradixio: Whatever! Let's go questing!

]]>http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/24/naming-a-character/feed/7http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/24/naming-a-character/Non Duelerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NpcComic/~3/Ak3_m4sr_aQ/
http://www.npccomic.com/comic/2016/08/22/non-dueler/#commentsMon, 22 Aug 2016 08:30:29 +0000http://www.npccomic.com/?post_type=comic&p=8617
I AM really good at stealth defending a flag in Arathi Basin and announcing when an enemy is coming. SO GOOD at that. ↓ TranscriptP1: Confession: I've never won a duel in World of Warcraft. Visual: Fenwick the rogue: Don't[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]>

I AM really good at stealth defending a flag in Arathi Basin and announcing when an enemy is coming. SO GOOD at that.

P1: Confession: I've never won a duel in World of Warcraft.
Visual: Fenwick the rogue: Don't tell them that!
P2: I'm just not good at pvp, you know?
Visual: Fenwick: But you play me, a rogue! Together, we should kick ass!
P3: Because I'm not good, I never practice, and because I never practice, I'm not good.
Visual: Fenwick: As long as everyone understands YOU'RE the problem, not me.
Or
Fenwick. Whatever. Hey! Wanna duel?
P4: It's something I should accept and not be ashamed of.
Visual: Fenwick: YOU'RE not the one who has to show her face in the rogue hall!